Distribution of Chickens to Increase Livelihood Opportunities for Poor Widows

On 23rd June 2018, Believers Church Diocese of Manughat organized a special program for widows in a remote hilly village, in connection to International Widows Day. The diocese distributed chickens to 23 widows, on the occasion.

These widows are very poor, scraping by on meager income they get from jhum cultivation. Many of them also lead a lonely life, with no one to support them in any way. They were excited and happy for organizing such a program among them and gifting them with chickens.

Sikoinya Debbarma (60 years old) was one among those who received the gift that day. Her husband had passed away 10 years ago. Though she has five children who are married, they are not able to properly care for her as they are poor farmers. In order to survive, Sikoinya goes to jungle in search of herbs and bamboo shoots everyday and in the evening, she sells the collected items in the market. She was so happy to get a chicken. She said, “I never thought that I would receive this gift. I am so thankful to you for extending a helping hand to poor widows like me.”